A federal appeals court Thursday ruled that the Trump administration endangered public health by keeping chlorpyrifos on the market despite extensive evidence that exposure can harm babies’ brains. The court ordered the EPA to remove the pesticide from sale in the U.S. within 60 days. (State Journal-Register)

Scientists say the line which divides the arid Western regions of the U.S. from the humid Eastern regions is shifting, causing big changes in traditional agriculture pursuits. As the line moves further east, so too is cropland turning to rangeland and corn, soybean and wheat farmers turning to cattle ranchers. “It’s just a steady progression… read more

Facing a long run of low prices, persistent oversupply issues and new milk quota system, some Illinois dairy farmers are voluntarily exiting the dairy industry. “It turned out to be a good decision when you look at the economics,” said Linnea Kooistra, who raised dairy cows with her husband in McHenry County since 1980 before… read more

BONUS: COWS CATCH CARJACKER – An alleged carjacking suspect almost got away from Florida police – until some local bovines got involved. Police said the driver and passenger in a stolen Subaru SUV fled on foot after the car crashed in a ditch. The passenger, who fled to a nearby pasture, was then chased and… read more

DICAMBA COMPLAINTS UP – The number of dicamba-related complaints is on the rise, according to Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association. Payne said total pesticide-misuse complaints stand at more than 450, with the number of dicamba-specific complaints at more than 300. She said dicamba applications on ideal spraying days are even… read more

MOST AMERICANS GO FOR LOCALLY GROWN – According to a recent Gallup poll, nearly 75 percent of Americans say they actively try to include locally grown foods in their diets. However, the organic distinction, often promoted on locally grown foods, appears to matter less to Americans with 47 percent saying they don’t think much about… read more

CHINESE EXPORTS UP – China’s exports to the U.S. rose by double digits in July, despite tariff hikes in a fight over technology policy. Exports to the U.S. rose 13.3 percent over a year earlier to $41.5 billion, off only slightly from June’s 13.6 percent rate. “Today’s trade data don’t show any significant impact from… read more

MEXICO: U.S.-MEXICO DEAL MUST COME FIRST – Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo last week said the U.S. and Mexico must finish bilateral NAFTA talks before Canada rejoins the deal. While talking with reporters, Guajardo did say Canada would “possibly” take part in the talks next week. (Reuters)

As increases in pork production and trade tariffs pile on, hog prices are dropping, setting farmers up for significant financial losses. “Our farmers in the United States have gotten more efficient at raising hogs every year, and the bigger picture is those gains in efficiency have surpassed the gains in increased demand for pork,” said… read more

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